The Medical Association of Georgia is encouraging physicians in the state to call U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss at 800.833.6354 or to click here to send them an email to urge them to pass H.R. 2 - the "Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act." The bill would permanently repeal the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR).

The American Medical Association (AMA) reports that, "As of (April 1) the current sustainable growth rate (SGR) patch expired, meaning the 21 percent cut in Medicare payments is in effect."

AMA says that, Every day that the U.S. Senate does not act causes disruptions to physician practices and puts more patients at risk of not getting the care they deserve. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that would permanently repeal the SGR formula, but the Senate failed to act before leaving on a two-week recess."

And AMA stresses that, "While Senate leadership has indicated they will take up the bill upon return on April 13, the clock is ticking. The administration can only hold claims until April 15, leaving a very narrow window of time for the Senate to act before Medicare claims are paid at the drastically reduced rate. We need you to keep the pressure on during the recess!"

Source mag.org